Thistle Seed? No!


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What are these seeds, that I’ve been calling thistle seed, since I was a child? These seeds that Goldfinches, Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and White-throated Sparrows seem to go bonkers over?

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What a surprise I had, when I looked up thistle seed on the internet. Seems thistle seed is not thistle seed at all, but the seed of a yellow flower, Guizotia abyssinica, which is cultivated for its seeds in Africa, India and other areas of southeast Asia. A native of the highlands of Ethiopia, and the only major wild bird feed seed imported to North America from overseas.

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This tiny black seed is sold here in the U.S. as Nyjer seed, a registered trademark of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry. It amazes me that the tiny songbirds that come to my feeders, take each tiny seed to a nearby branch and carefully remove the hull, to eat the little bit of nut meat, which is packed with 40 percent oil, which is the attractant.

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In all seasons, Goldfinches arrive to dine on the Nyjer seeds.

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Another bird that can’t resist the temptation of Nyjer seed, is the White-Throated Sparrow.

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There are other birds that are attracted to Nyjer seed, but I’ll close with this last little guy. A Tufted Titmouse. These four bird species, Chickadees, Goldfinches, White-throated Sparrows, and Tufted Titmice are the ones that I know I’ll see every single day at my feeder of tiny black seeds, that are not thistle seed.

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2 responses to “Thistle Seed? No!”

  1. Ah, you have reminded me it’s time to put out the-not-thistle-seed! The goldfinches have arrived in my garden all splotchy from molting into their bright yellow feathers. I have missed these guys. Normally a few stay through the winter but not this past one. I am missing my Tufted Titmouse, too. Mine really like the peanuts. I find it fascinating that they peck a tiny hole in the shell so that they can carry it away. Perhaps a little Nyger seed will entice them to return. I love the call of the White Throated Sparrow – I have fond memories of watching one sing in the cold and seeing its tiny breath.

    • Hi Kathy! Surely by now you’ve put out the-not-thistle-seed! I’ve been enjoying so very much the spots of sunshine that are the goldfinches. I do have to be careful though, and only leave the feeders out when I am there to carefully watch them. I’ve had two little bears discover the feeders and are proving to be little rascals. So long as I keep an eye on things, I’ve not had a problem. I’m wondering if your tufted titmice have returned. Fun to hear about them pecking a hole in the shell, in order to cart the peanut away.

      Ah, the pleasures of birdwatching! Sounds like you are quite taken by the precious little feathered critters! I certainly am!